Snapping/Popping noise when rolling slowly

[Alex]

Hi Guys,

Vehicle: 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X.

Having this issue that started recently and has been progressing quite aggressively over the last few weeks. Hearing and feeling in the steering wheel and pedals crunch/pop sound when rolling slowly.

– On/off brakes doesn’t seem to matter.
– In gear/off gear doesn’t matter.
– Idling or fully turned off doesn’t matter.
– Happens only when driving slowly.
– Tried removing wheels, tightened the lugnuts.
– Forward or backwards doesn’t matter.
– Checked all wheel bearing – seems to be in good shape movement wise.
– Lifted front wheels and with handbrake spun the front today by hands, no sound, but they were spinning in opposite direction, so I suspect only transfer case was involved.

If I was to describe, feels like when you drive over snow and get’s packed under your wheel – not rhythmic sound, more of random number of beats per second. Definitely feelable in pedals and steering wheel.

Any help would be appreciated. Any ways to diagnose are welcome too

Here is the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nkmJ1KgnpQ
It occurs a few times in the last 7 seconds or so. Definitely use good speakers or headphones, otherwise, it’s hard to hear.

Topic

[Ole Eggers]

If you lift the front wheels off the ground, put the car in gear and make it run, can you then hear it ?

I had a driveshaft knuckle “lock” up on me once and it was certainly easy to feel in the steering wheel.

[Alex]

I will give it a try, but being an AWD vehicle, it would e trickier to arrange 🙂

I was thinking to check for the CV joints, I have 8 of them. 4 axles * 2 joints each because POPCORN sound seems to be associated with those from my recent research online :/

[Ole Eggers]

Good luck to you finding the culprit.

Please let us know once you find it. I´m curious 🙂

[Author]

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